NEWS

Best Practices for Remote Teams and Cultural Learning

Published

2 years ago

May 12, 2023

Ulani Uriah

Remote work has become an increasingly popular way of doing business. The global pandemic forced many companies to switch to remote work, but even before that, remote teams were becoming more common. Managing remote teams comes with its own set of challenges. However, with proper planning, communication, and a focus on cultural learning, a remote team can be just as effective as an in-person team. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of running a successful remote team and discuss best practices for cultural learning.

Table of Contents

Toggle

The Fundamentals of Running a Successful Remote Team

Managing a remote team requires a different approach than managing an in-person team. The following fundamentals will help ensure your remote team runs smoothly:

1. Clear Communication

Clear communication is crucial for any team, but it’s even more important for remote teams. Without clear communication, remote team members can feel isolated, disconnected, and unproductive. To prevent this, establish communication channels that work for everyone on the team, whether that’s email, instant messaging, video conferencing, or phone calls. Set clear expectations for how and when team members should communicate.

2. Use collaboration tools

Collaboration tools can help remote teams stay organized, on track, and productive. Tools like Asana, Trello, and Slack can be used to assign tasks, track progress, and communicate with team members. Choose tools that work for your team and make sure everyone is comfortable using them.

3. Establish a schedule

Establishing a schedule can help remote team members stay focused and productive. Set clear expectations for work hours, deadlines, and meeting times. This will help remote team members stay on track and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Rebecca Knight, a freelance writer for the Harvard Business Review, suggests that one of the biggest challenges of managing remote teams is the lack of face-to-face interaction. Knight believes that managers must take proactive steps to build relationships with remote team members. Managers should use video conferencing to build trust and establish personal connections.

The Productivity Concerns

Productivity concerns are a common worry for managers of remote teams. How do you know if your remote team is actually getting work done? Here are some tips for ensuring remote team members are productive:

Set clear goals: Set clear goals for remote team members and communicate those goals clearly. When everyone knows what they’re working toward, it’s easier to stay on track and be productive.
Monitor Progress: Use collaboration tools to monitor progress and track deadlines. Check-in with team members regularly to make sure they’re on track and to address any issues that may be causing delays.
Focus on Output: Focus on output, not hours worked. When managing a remote team, it can be tempting to focus on hours worked instead of output. However, this can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Instead, focus on the work that’s being done and the results that are being achieved.

Best Practices for Cultural Learning

Cultural learning is an important aspect of managing a remote team. It’s important to understand and respect different cultures, values, and work styles. Here are some best practices for cultural learning:

Understand Different Time Zones

If your remote team is spread out across different time zones, it’s important to understand and respect those time zones. Be mindful of when team members are working, and schedule meetings and deadlines accordingly.

Learn about different cultures

Take the time to learn about different cultures and work styles. This can help you understand how to communicate effectively with team members and how to approach different situations.

Foster Inclusivity

Foster inclusivity by making sure everyone on the team feels heard and valued. Encourage open communication and be willing to listen to different perspectives.

Conclusion

Managing a remote team requires a different approach than managing an in-person team. However, this approach can be just as effective, if not more so, with proper planning, communication, and a focus on cultural learning. By following the fundamentals of running a successful remote team, addressing the productivity concerns, and implementing best practices for cultural learning, managers can create a strong, productive, and inclusive remote team. While the switch to remote work may have been unexpected, it has also opened up new opportunities for companies to expand their talent pool and reach a global audience. By embracing remote work and taking the necessary steps to manage it effectively, companies can position themselves for success in the digital age.